Preparing for a trip is not always easy; there’s so much that needs to be planned and confirmed before you get a foot out the door, from booking hotels to purchasing plane tickets, coordinating itineraries, and so on. Thankfully there are plenty of useful smartphone apps to help lessen the hassle. From booking your hotels while on the go to creating your entire trip itinerary, “there’s an app for that.”
Here are some examples of leading apps you might enjoy using for before and during your next getaway:
1. TripIt – This app is perfect for when you are starting to plan your trip and want to ensure that it is as organized as possible. The TripIt app is an itinerary creator that uses all of your travel information (such as hotel addresses, where you have reservations set, etc.) and creates a step-by-step plan for your trip. You don’t have to worry about misplacing vital details, and the best part? You can access your TripIt itinerary even when you are offline! TripIt also makes it easy to forward your master itinerary to others, like family and co-workers, so everyone can be on the same page.
2. Waze – While Google Maps tends to be a go-to for most people in need of directions, the map app Waze has some nifty features that actually make it more helpful than the standard web-based directions tool. What makes Waze special is that it is a community-driven map app; all of Waze’s maps are updated and supported through the use of information provided by other Waze users. People using the app can update maps with data such as real-time traffic info, police speed traps, and alternative routes to get around construction zones and gridlock.
3. Google Translate – Google’s translation app is perfect for international trips, and features a recent update that includes the ability to translate signs in other languages by simply taking a photo of them. The new and improved Google Translate can also translate conversations in real-time. Both updates help to reduce the language barrier whenever you decide to take a trip abroad. If you are interested in learning more about the app, check out this article we wrote on the improved Google Translate a few months back.
4. Uber – The app-based transportation company has become increasingly properly due to its ease-of-use and affordable rates. With your smartphone, you can use the Uber app to find a ride in cities across the globe (it seems that they’re adding more cities by the week). You can even track your Uber driver to see what his/her ETA will be. You do, however, have to be careful with Uber. While it can be less pricey in comparison with some taxi services, there are peak hours when Uber actually becomes more expensive to use. Thankfully, the Uber app gives you warnings about surcharges when you are booking a ride. You are not obligated to agree to the additional charge, and you’re still likely to get a driver.
5. TripAdvisor – This app is one of the most extensive hotel review apps on the market. TripAdvisor has produced over 200 million hotel, attraction, and restaurant reviews, covering cities all over the world.
6. Travel Safe – This app contains a comprehensive list of emergency phone numbers in hundreds of countries. At a price of just 99 cents (or $1.29 for iOS), it’s a handy app for any emergency, anywhere you go.
Next time you are planning on taking a trip to parts unknown, consider using these apps to help you focus on enjoying the adventure!